Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

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Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by both joint and skin symptoms that may occur at the same time or separately.

Joint symptoms

• Stiffness in the joints, particularly hands and feet
• Pain
• Swelling

Skin symptoms

• Patches of red, scaly skin on the body that itch (also called psoriatic plaques)
• Changes to fingernails and toenails, such as a pitting or lifting of the nail from the nail bed

Other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Reduced range of motion
• Sausage-like swelling in the ends of the toe or finger (dactylitis)
• Inflammation of tendons in places such as the heels, elbow, or Achilles tendon (enthesitis)
• Fatigue and stiffness in the morning
• Redness and pain in the eye, such as conjunctivitis

Conditions with similar symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis produces joint symptoms similar to those of other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is important to get a prompt and proper diagnosis to rule out other conditions. However, like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can result in joint and tissue damage as well as deformity if left untreated.